Animal Surrender and Heartbreak: Why Can’t They Just Get Along

Enanna Sheena is a 24-year-old graduate student in Chicago, Illinois. She is a speech therapist, proud Assyrian, and avid pet lover. She bought her pug, Booma, in 2013 shortly after her undergraduate graduation.

A few months ago, she decided to expand her pet family and adopt her cat, Ricky, from the shelter Felines and Canines, located at 6379 North Paulina Street. She was told that Ricky would get along with dogs, but she unfortunately found out too late this was not true.

Booma and Ricky do not get along and it has caused Sheena much stress. Eventually she had to make a tough decision to give Ricky to one of her friends and his absence has left her apartment feeling empty.

Sheena’s story is not the only story like this. According to the ASPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, there are about 7.6 million animals in shelters; 3.9 million are dogs and 3.4 million are cats. 2.7 million of these pets are euthanized each year, 2.7 million are adopted, and 649,000 of the animals that were brought to the shelter as strays end up finding another owner.

The ASPCA says the most common reasons animals have to be relinquished or given away are usually because the owner’s residence does not allow animals; owners do not have enough time to care for the pet, terminated relationships or death and behavioral issues.

It is important to understand that pets will not instantly become friends when you introduce them to each other, especially when they are different species. Owners must have patience when they bring a new pet into their home and they must be willing to first research the breeds and their traits. It is also important to work with each animal.

Millions of animals need a loving home, so it is important to be ready to welcome your new animal into your residence the proper way.